(Nashville, TN) HBM Recording artist Blake Stamper returned from his maiden voyage to Europe last week. Blake went overseas in late June to support the troops with nine military performances in just under fourteen days. The rowdy Kentucky boy tore up the stage at every base, even to the point of local military outfits having to end the rowdy shows. Upon returning to home soil, Stamper was greeted with the news that his recently released second single, the title track from his new album, ³The Way Back to Texas,² had shot up to #34 on the Texas Music Chart.

  Blake¹s two-week trek took him through Germany and The Netherlands performing for U-S soldiers with stops at locations like the 293rd Base Support Battalion in Mannheim, where the crowd of over 500 demanded an encore from the patriotic Hickabilly. Stamper obliged until the local MP (military police) kindly ended the wild show that ran late into the night.  

The highlight of the hectic trip however was Blake¹s Fourth of July Show at the NATO Base in Gilenkirchen. Stamper had the privilege of performing on the Nation¹s birthday for both the United States military and U-S allies. After the autograph signing and fireworks show, Blake was extended an offer from a Tech Sergeant, also from Blake¹s home state of Kentucky, to dine with his family at their home on the base.  

Most of Blake¹s memories of ³The most beautiful place I have even been² were heartwarming. Performing at a base in Hanau, Germany, where the crowd of soldiers, who had been on their way home when their assignment overseas was extended ninety days, was the most heart wrenching, yet poignant moment for Stamper. ³The trip was incredibly hectic, but that one night right there, made everything worth the trouble. It was one of the most valuable things I¹ve ever done,² Blake ruminates. For his time, Blake was awarded a Scroll of Appreciation at the 414th Base Support Battalion in Hanau.  

Now back on U-S soil, Blake has steered his efforts to the promotion of his second single ³The Way Back to Texas² off his early 2004 debut album of the same title. Initial radio success is setting up this tune dedicated to an ex-flame, to be a huge hit for Blake. Visit www.blakestamper.com for a full tour itinerary.